Review & Giveaway - The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

I had the privilege of working with Liz Johnson several years ago for the Guidepost Books' "A Cup of Christmas Cheer" collection. I loved Liz's short story! And as I have found with other authors and their stories, when I met her in person, she was just as lovely a person as her stories are! When I saw the cover of The Red Door Inn, I had to get the book. 

SPOILER ALERT: Because I do bibliotherapy reviews, I will be addressing a topic that is part of the book.  Skip to the bottom to the comments section if you just want to enter the giveaway!

Review: 
First of all -- I do not normally read contemporary fiction. I don't write contemporary fiction (other than as a favor for a friend for a recent serial.)  But I loved Liz's writing and love the idea of going to Prince Edward Island one day so I ordered the paperback. Then I had two deadlines to complete. Fast forward a few months -- both books turned in to Barbour. I wanted my escape and now I'd acquired the Kindle version of this book. 

The Red Door Inn
Book One in Prince Edward Island Dreams
By Liz Johnson
(Revell Publishing)
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

LOVED LOVED LOVED this story!!!

Five Stars *****

Marie Carrington is one of the most fragile heroines I've seen lately, yet she has a subtle tungsten steel thread of strength, in her faith. God is drawing her back to Him after she's betrayed both by her father and by an old school mate. Ms. Johnson does a great job of drawing you into the story by revealing only just enough to hook you and propel you forward in reading.

Seth Sloane starts out as a jerk. But, again, Ms. Johnson infuses enough information about Seth that the reader quickly understands why he's acting so wounded -- because he is. But his reaction to that utter betrayal is to throw walls up. As the story goes on, both Seth and Marie seek to overcome their animosity toward each other and a true friendship and caring grows.

The next book in the series has released and I'm looking forward to reading it! And another book due out in summer, 2017!

Bibliotherapy: I was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Marie's reaction is pretty extreme, but given the rape and then her father's betrayal, and everything else Liz Johnson has set up, her flight to Prince Edward Island is understandable. As is Seth's. These two are shown God's mercy via a widower, Jack, who is setting up a bed and breakfast to fulfill his wife's wishes before she died.  This story would be a good bibliotherapy tool for: emotional abandonment, betrayal, rape, and manipulative relationships. 

Giveaway: A paperback copy of The Red Door Inn. Leave a comment! 

Diana Reviews 'Love Everlasting' By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series Book 2) 

By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars!~

(No Spoilers!)

Another Gem By Julie!

Get ready to go on another a passionate, angst-filled journey as twisty and sinuous as a roller coaster ride to Hope Isle, Georgia—a lovely picture-perfect isle with Southern seaside beauty and charming cottages nestled next to lush plantations—but wherein lay plenty of drama, secrets, and heartaches buried underneath the guise of tranquility! 

The sweet, demure Shannon O'Bryen is a faith-filled school teacher by day and a secret writer of romance by night. Writing love stories is the safest route for her to take as she has been terribly burned by love in the past. A lying player had completely broken her spirit and Shannon has totally sworn off men forever. Then how does she get mixed up with the world's biggest player, pediatrician Dr. Sam Cunningham? 

Too handsome for his own good, the wealthy, charismatic, and flirtatious, Sam, has left a string of broken hearts stretching all the way across Hope Isle. Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster care system, and finds himself looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Shannon cannot tolerate his type, but finds herself willing to help him woo back his ex-girlfriend. She does write romance after all, so no problem, right? But as they draw closer and become the best of friends, Shannon teaches Sam so much more—of faith and the true definition of love. But one of them is hiding a deep secret which could destroy their friendship forever. Will either of them ever be able to open their eyes and hearts...to a love everlasting?

Be still my fluttering, racing, pounding heart! Julie Lessman is truly la creme de la creme at writing romance with so many disquieting twists and turns, and ooh, the drama! I felt as though my heart had been run through the wringer by the time I finished this emotive, fast-paced novel. I so admired Shannon's willpower against Sam's beguiling ways because he stole my foolish heart from chapter one...after he sobered up that is. ;) If you read Isle of Hope (which I hope you did!) you will remember Shannon's mother—the bubbly and vivacious Tess—and her troubled romance with Dr. Ben Carmichael, whose story continues in this book as well. So you get two sizzling, toe-curling romances for the price of one! No worries if you didn't read Isle of Hope because this novel stands quite well alone. Interspersed throughout is alot of the playful humor, quips and banter Ms. Lessman is so well known for—and a wellspring of tears, hope, and the inspiring story of God's redemption and forgiveness.

Plantation in Hope Isle, Georgia

Beautiful Hope Isle, Georgia

This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!

GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously offering winner's choice of e-book copy of either Isle of Hope or Love Everlasting now -- OR paperback copy of Love Everlasting when it releases in November! International entrants e-book only. Please be sure to leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Noela reviews LOVE, LIES, AND FIREFLIES by Jan Elder

Love, Lies, & Fireflies

Love, Lies, and Fireflies

by JAN ELDER

Prism Book Group (2nd September, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 Illuminating and Engaging!

I love a good story-teller that pulls me into the lives of their characters so deeply that after I finish the book, I find myself wanting to go hang out with them again and again. Author Jan Elder accomplishes that in Love, Lies, and Fireflies with a beautiful tale of heartbreak, hope, and new beginnings. Shades of sinister kept me looking over the heroine’s shoulder, but there was also plenty of lightness with comedic moments and sparkling dialogue.

Didi O’Brien’s world spins out of control when her controlling fiancé Kevin Cabot casually admits to cheating on her. When Didi doesn’t crawl back to him as he expected, his creepy level elevates as he stalks Didi and refuses to acknowledge their breakup. Meeting the charming Jake Montgomery is a lifeline to Didi—helping her to feel safe and valued, and illuminating just how unhealthy the relationship was that she’d had with her former fiancé. Jake was also previously engaged but lost his fiancé in a terrible car accident over a year ago. He feels ready to move on, but is still haunted with questions about the tragedy. Is it too soon for a new relationship for either of them? Can Didi and Jake find freedom from their pasts and have a future together?

‘Love, Lies, and Fireflies’ is an enjoyable, cozy read, with an inspirational overcoming theme that covers betrayal, grief, and discovering God’s will. The characters are engaging and relatable, especially Didi... she’s optimistic, loves cats and hates cucumber—which made me want to exclaim “me too!!” The sweet romance is just delightful too with one of the best first dates I’ve read! The story concludes perfectly with a surprising and tender ending sure to make you sigh. An enjoyable and entertaining story!

*Thanks to the author for providing a copy for review purposes. Opinions are entirely my own.

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You can purchase 'LOVE, LIES, & FIREFLIES' here at AMAZON

GIVEAWAY: Jan Elder is generously giving away an E-BOOK each to TWO blessed commenter's!! Leave a comment below to enter and remember to also leave your email for contact purposes should you win!  Write (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

Diana's Review Of THE IMPOSTER By Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Imposter By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell, September 2015

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

A Heart Once Deceived...

In the exquisite, unique style she is so well known for— best-selling author Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a tale of unrequited love, betrayal, and secrets—set amongst the seemingly idyllic Amish community of Stoney Ridge—where Jersey cows and horses graze on lush, verdant grass alongside of placid streams and creeks twisting into the thick woodlands.

Widower, David Stoltzfus, feels blessed to be summoned to this veritable paradise as the new preacher, but it is not long before serious problems begin to develop. His daughter, Katrina, has her heart set on marrying John, her handsome boyfriend—and live happily ever after. However, a bitter betrayal leaves her heart shattered with nowhere to turn. Feeling suffocated by her concerned father, she decides to move in with a widow in the community and help her in a new business venture.

There she meets Andy Miller, a farmhand who appears suspiciously too good to be true. Katrina is not about to let a man deceive her again and tiptoes cautiously around Andy. Then there are those who want to be rid of David Stoltzfus; who believes in walking close to God, worshipping Him daily, and meditating on His word. As wickedness seeks to envelope him he discovers an unlikely friendship in Birdy Glick, the plain-faced but kindhearted, 6 foot 2 inch tall school teacher. However, someone is not who they portray—there is an imposter in Stoney Ridge, but who could it possibly be...?

Beginning with the first book she ever penned, Suzanne Woods Fisher has long since been a favorite Amish author of mine. Her grandfather was raised Plain which lends a realism to her books that many other Amish novels may not have. Her ability to write so many sub-plots integrated into one...and many a romantic entanglement simply amazes me! Even if you aren't an Amish fiction fan—you'll love the aura of mystery, multi-faceted characters, the rocky road to more than just one romance, and the spiritual theme interwoven throughout The Imposter! Oh, and let me not forget the humor interspersed amongst the colorful scenes in this splendid novel and a huge surprise twist I did not see coming! Highly recommended!

~*~ “Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.” Amish Proverb ~*~



Dairy Farm In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore!

 

 

GIVEAWAY: Suzanne Woods Fisher is generously offering a paperback copy of The Imposter to one blessed commenter! To be eligible, please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

 



Diana's Review of THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE by Laura Frantz

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

Revell, Sept. 2015

 

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars~

(No spoilers!)

           Exquisitely Breathtaking!

In The Mistress of Tall Acre, author Laura Frantz pens a sweeping epic tale set after the American Revolution–poignant and evocative–beset with betrayal and secrets as twisted as the fragrant wisteria and lovely roses twined about the gardens of Tall Acre.

Sophie Menzies is on the verge of losing her plantation, Three Chimneys, after her beloved brother is declared missing and her father returns to Scotland. After eight long years of fighting, General Seamus Ogilvy–Sophie's handsome neighbor and owner of the plantation, Tall Acre, has returned home from the war. A widower with an adorable six-year-old daughter, Lily Cate, enlists Sophie's help with the child who doesn't even know him and cries bitterly for her mother every night. Sophie grows to love Lily Cate as her own and makes a rash decision to accept Seamus's proposal, knowing that he could never love again and that it would be a marriage of convenience only. Secrets unfold as Sophie finds an old diary rife with discontent and betrayal, and dangers ensue as someone wishes her gone from Tall Acre. Just as passions begin to ignite, a woman from the past appears at Tall Acre and all loyalties will be tested as the newly formed foundation that binds Seamus and Sophie begins to crumble.

Such exquisite torture as Laura Frantz, the master of romantic tension and angst, weaves her magic web once again and ensnares the reader from page one and will not let go. Be still my racing heart! I found myself lost in another place and time; simply amazed at the author's incredible research and talent of applying descriptive words and prose used exclusively in colonial times...such as a busk (I had to google that one–and when I did it set my heart to fluttering and skipping a beat or two!), types of colonial architecture and clothing, and "ayes", "nays", and "mayhaps." I could see the whole story playing out in my mind's eye as though I were watching a movie. A story rich in faith, obedience and sacrifice, as well as a riveting, tantalizing page turner with copious twists and turns, The Mistress of Tall Acre is sure to be at the top of my 2015 list of faves!



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This amazing book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Laura has generously offered a paperback copy of The Mistress of Tall Acre to one blessed commenter! To be eligible be sure to leave to leave your email written (at) and (dot) to prevent yourself against spammers. 

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is the author of The Discovery and of Remembering Christmas and four other novels, published by Revell and Guideposts. I met Dan through some online groups, including ACFW and at the ACFW conference.

Dan, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?

There are three things that probably share that distinction. One would be losing my best friend to leukemia (somewhat suddenly after a successful operation that doctors said would lead to his full recovery). Another would be almost losing one of my children, spiritually speaking, when for a lengthy season they appeared to be choosing a destructive lifestyle (thankfully, God turned them around). And finally, it would be the deceitful betrayal in ministry by someone I trusted and thought was a friend. Hard to say which of these three was the most painful.

(Comment by CFP: I find this very interesting since Dan was recently extremely ill and required hospitalization. Tells us how sometimes other attacks are more difficult than those on the body.)

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Probably Isaiah 26:3, which says: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts you.” This verse, and similar ones, have pointed me to the most necessary thing to overcome the trials of life, including the three tough ones I just mentioned.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Authors don’t usually have a say in which of their books get made into audio versions. My first two have been picked up by Oasis Audio and turned into audio books, but so far the others haven’t. A few have also been picked up by other publishers and turned into large print versions (I know The Unfinished Gift and The Deepest Waters have). All have been made available as Ebook versions (like Kindle and Nook), which I do believe have audio capability. 
Even though I don’t own an Ebook reader, my wife does, and it’s one of the reason I encourage people who need large print books to get one. You can instantly increase the font size for every book to large print, if you have one.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

I like to write about the themes that matter most in life (by God’s definition, not so much ours). Then I like to craft stories that reveal God’s perspective on those themes, played out in the lives of credible, captivating characters going through big dramatic things (and occasionally some interesting small ones). Situations get pretty tough in the beginning and middle of my books, and maybe even more so near the end but, because I’m writing from a Christian perspective, I love endings that reveal the power and lovingkindness of God, so that the reader is stirred to put their hope in God for whatever they’re going through in real life.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

In each book, I learn things that deeply affect me. There’s that old saying “walk a mile in my shoes,” which I suppose is suggesting in order to truly understand what someone else is going through, we really need to experience it ourselves. That’s not actually possible, since none of us can control all the circumstances we face, but I think we can learn to empathize and care about others by learning to listen well. And when we do listen, to listen to their hearts, not just react to their words.

When I write, I experience a good measure of this, because I have to get deep inside my character’s hearts in order to communicate their experience in a way that connects with my readers. I imagine it’s not unlike an actor “getting into character” for a role. The result is a pretty good simulation of “walking a mile in my shoes.” It’s not uncommon for me to feel deep affections and emotions as I write certain scenes and chapters.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

In The Discovery, one of the major themes is the destructive power of lying and deceit, and the very real affect it has on our own soul and in the relationships of those around us (particularly the people we love). This book is really a “novel within a novel” as many reviewers have called it, because it begins with a grandson discovering an unpublished manuscript written by his late, mega-bestselling grandfather. As he reads this manuscript, so does the reader. Early on, the grandson reads this: “In the past two months, he had become aware of how heavy words become when you carry them alone. Lies, spoken to someone you love, were heavier still.”

By the end of the book, the man who wrote these words also learns how liberating it can be to finally “speak the truth in love.”

Thank you Dan for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Here is a link to Serena Chase's interview with Dan on USA Today.


Dan Walsh books can be purchased on Amazon, as well as on CBD, and other bookstores. 

How Readers Can reach Dan on the internet:

His website is www.danwalshbooks.com with buttons to follow him on Facebook or Twitter. On the menu, he has a “Blog” and a tab for  his “Books” with buttons beside each book to order them from a number of online stores (like Amazon or Christianbook.com). 

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews The Redemption by MaryLu Tyndall

The Redemption

The Legacy of the King's Pirates (Book 1)

By MaryLu Tyndall

(This originally released in 2006 by Barbour, re-released in 2011by Mission Books)


Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This was a Christy award nominee!

One of the reasons that I bought my Kindle (click here to purchase Kindle copy!) was so that I could read MaryLu Tyndall's books!  This was her debut novel, as I understand it, and the freelance editor who was helping me with my manuscript, Susan Lohrer, had worked with MaryLu on this book. So I was anxious to read it, knowing that history on it.

This was a tension-filled book right from the get go and didn't let up until the end.  Lots of layers of plots and subplots and excellent characterization.  The heroine had to go through a lot (and more than I like to put mine through!) but even the icky stuff seemed central to the plot line.  

Charlisse is a feisty heroine who doesn’t give up.  Her father, a dissipated wreck of a man is a nasty pirate but Charlisse does not know that when she sets out to find him, leaving the abusive care of her uncle in England.  One of her father’s crew is just as conniving as he is and has designs upon Charlisse (actually most of the men in the book are lecherous but this one is the worst!)  MaryLu upped the nasty factor on this one (SPOILER ALERT) by the attractive but lecherous man being her own cousin (which served as no deterrent to him!)  The hero, Edmund Merrick is a Christian and a privateer.  He is put in danger and risks all to save Charlisse. 

Set in the 17^th century Caribbean, there are enough pirates, ships, danger, and romance to entertain many types of readers!

Bibliotherapy elements: Abuse, abandonment, betrayal, perseverance, grace, and redemption.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing this week.

Review of The Merchant's Daughter by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

5 stars~ *****
Zondervan (November, 2011)

Make Time for This Timeless Story!


Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Based upon The Beauty and The Beast, a young woman's family betrays her resulting in her servitude to the new Lord le Wyse. Her brother promises her in marriage to a much older and wicked man who is unsuitable for Annabel. Despite his physical injuries and unstable disposition, the new lord protects the young woman. 

Betrayed by his wife, his body mangled by an attack by a wolf, the young lord has his own demons he wrestles with. Annabel yearns for the Word.  I cried when I read the beautiful passage by Melanie where this young woman finally gets to read from the Bible herself.  


I read this book all in one day.  I was sick at the time.  I recommend you set time aside to enjoy this story. Beautiful voice, lovely story line, very strong spiritual thread - this has the makings of another Christy nominee (or winner this year!). 


Bibliotherapy: Abandonment, betrayal,death of parent, and trust. 


Bravo Melanie!!!  And I want to mention your wonderful critique partners, too, Debbie Lynne Costello and Linore Rose Burkard, cited in your acknowledgements.  I so enjoyed the opportunity to run around with you gals at the ACFW conference in 2010.  God put you all together for a purpose!   

GIVEAWAY: We are giving a copy of one of Melanie's books, your choice and format, away this week.  Leave your email address with your comment.

Interview with Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice and of The Merchant’s Daughter.


Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I met Melanie Dickerson through HisWriters, an online group for those who have either published or planned works with European characters. I have also been blessed to get to hang out with her at the ACFW conferences.

Melanie, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.
 

Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

Wow, where should I start, Carrie? LOL! I grew up poor in a very poor area in south Alabama, but it made me determined to succeed and escape my circumstances. I definitely have that in common with my heroine, Rose! God blessed me and has brought me through some very lonely times into a place of trusting God completely (or at least, complete trust is my goal when I’m not trusting as much as I should). I’m thankful for my husband and two kids, and I have confidence in God that I can overcome anything, any disaster or tragedy, that might come my way. For years I was trapped by fear and low self-esteem, but I feel God healing me, and he has healed me, to a great extent. God is faithful!

One of the most difficult things we have gone through as a family is the loss of my husband's job over fourteen months ago. Then, on April 27th, our area was hit with several tornadoes in one terrible day, but God spared us.In this difficult economy, we are clinging to God's assurance that He will provide. He has provided, in so many ways, and he has blessed me with seeing my first book receive lots of acclaim, including being a finalist for a Christy Award. And then a dear friend told me, just days before the ACFW conference, that God nudged her and told her to help me get to the conference. In a matter of a few hours, she had raised, through ACFW members, enough money to send me to the conference. I was blown away by my friends’ kindness and generosity, as well as with God’s provision. God is amazing. Absolutely amazing. But I know many families out there are suffering like we are with the head of our household unemployed. It’s hard to see your husband go through this. We certainly are not alone.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7  This used to be my favorite verse because I used to be so riddled with anxiety! But as I said, God has healed me of this problem, to a great extent.

A current favorite is “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1  Whether you are a slave to sin or a slave to guilt or a slave to legalism, God wants to set you free in Christ! This is a theme that I have set for my life, as I have struggled with these things, and still struggle at times.

And I also love “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 That’s pretty much the whole gospel right there! And what romance writer doesn’t want to claim the verse that says “live a life of love.”

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? 


Wow, I wish it was available on audio! How cool would that be? It is on Kindle and all the other e-book formats. There is also a large print version available.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

I really hope they will get the message that Jesus is the name above every name, and is more powerful than the darkest power. I also hope they will see that trusting God and listening to his leading will serve them well! God has a wonderful plan for your life if you allow him to work things out. So many times we get in the way because we want our own way, we think we know best, and we just mess things up. But God loves us and he has a good plan for us.

Carrie Fancett Pagels and Melanie Dickerson at ACFW Conference

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I actually was surprised that things haven’t changed as much as people might think since the middle ages. People always wanted love, always wanted to succeed and be happy. That never changed. People always wanted to connect to God and wanted to learn about him, and that hasn’t changed either. Emotions and conflicts are the same, but it was also fun to write in the middle ages because some of their values are different, and their laws and society were different, making great fodder for conflict and angst—for any writer with an active imagination!  

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

The Merchant’s Daughter deals a lot with overcoming fear, overcoming feelings of betrayal and relational pain, and learning to trust God and rejoice in the Lord. I think it can be helpful for someone who’s going through emotional trauma of some kind.

CFP note:  In The Healer's Apprentice, Melanie also addressed these issues: Self esteem, trust, abandonment, adoption.


Thank you Melanie Dickerson for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Giveaway:  Leave your comment and your email for a chance to win a copy of one of Melanie's books!